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Becoming a councillor is a most rewarding experience. It gives you the opportunity to help your local community and be part of a dedicated team providing key services. Being a councillor is a great way to gain political experience and useful skills in public speaking, debating and problem solving.
New Conservative councillors are good news. They mean fresh ideas and fresh enthusiasm, and that is good for your council. You could become a town councillor, a district councillor, or a Cambridgeshire County Councillor.
To be eligible you must be:
A British subject or a citizen of the Irish Republic or the EU and resident in the UK.
At least 18 years old on the day you are nominated.
Either on the electoral register of Fenland or East Cambridgeshire or have lived or worked here for at least the last twelve months.
Do I have the time?
It is possible to spend much of your time on council work but many councillors have full time jobs, families and hobbies.
Unless you take on responsibility as a Cabinet member or a Chairman or Vice-Chairman of a committee, your work should not involve more than a few meetings a month (although this depends on the number of committees/panels you serve on).
In addition to this, the Conservative Group will have private meetings from time to time and you will have meetings to attend in your ward or division.
Unless you take on responsibility as a Cabinet member or a Chairman or Vice-Chairman of a committee, your work at the Town Hall should not involve more than a few meetings a month (although this depends on the number of committees/panels you serve on).
In addition to this, the Conservative Group will have private meetings from time to time and you will have meetings to attend in your ward or division.
How much do I need to know?
You are not going to be expected to take direct responsibility for running the council on the first day you are elected. The main qualifications are an interest in your community and a willingness to learn. Knowledge, experience and confidence will soon follow.
You will receive support from the North East Cambridgeshire Conservative Association, your council colleagues and the Conservative Party. Council officers are also there to help you - there are professionally trained staff who are employed to carry out the lawful functions and duties of a council.
Can I afford it?
Councils pay a basic allowance that varies depending on the type and size of the council.
Councils may also pay some telephone and computer charges and provide you with the necessary stationery.
What should I do if I am interested?
Get in touch with the North East Cambridgeshire Association by contacting Debbie Clark on 01354 652295, or visit our office at 111 High Street, March.
Talk to a sitting Conservative councillor in Fenland or East Cambridgeshire to better understand the work of a councillor and the commitment involved. For a list of Conservative District Councillors on Fenland District Council visit www.fenland.gov.uk and for East Cambridgeshire District Council visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk
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